Matt Flynn’s trade to Oakland finally finalized

Seattle has traded quarterback Matt Flynn to Oakland, the Raiders have announced.

The Seahawks signed Flynn a year ago, giving him a three-year contract and an opportunity to compete for the starting role. That was a job Russell Wilson not only won in 2012, but claimed for the foreseeable future. Flynn’s only opportunity to play would come if Wilson were to be injured.

Trading Flynn allows Seattle to save $3.25 million against the salary cap this season, receive a 2014 fifth-round pick as well as a conditional choice in 2015 and Flynn gets a chance to start.

In Oakland’s announcement of the trade, Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie elaborated on the acquisition.

“I’ve known Matt Flynn since 2007 and scouted him before and after he entered the NFL,” McKenzie said in the team’s statement. “Matt is a tough football player, and a talented quarterback. He will get the opportunity to compete to be a starter with the Raiders. I believe Matt has that potential, but I also know he hasn’t had enough experience.

“We’re going to let him compete and battle, and see what happens. We know Raider Nation wants a team that can compete for the playoffs year-in and year-out and we’re putting in the necessary work right now to make that happen. This is one of the many decisions in that process.”